xi, 308 pages : 23 cm

Contrary to popular opinion, the bulk of Islamic law does not come from the Qur'an but rather from hadith, first-hand reports of the prophet Muhammad's words and deeds, passed from generation to generation. However, with varying accounts often only committed to paper a century after the death of Muhammad, Islamic scholars, past and present, have been faced with complex questions of historical authenticity. Informative and accessible, this wide-ranging introduction provides a detailed exploration of the collection and criticism of hadith and examines the controversy surrounding its role in modern Islam. Complete with a glossary, extensive bibliography, and helpful diagrams, this work is perfectly suited to students, scholars, and the general reader interested in this critical element of Islam. --

"A Oneworld book"--Title page verso

Includes bibliographical references (pages 282-294) and index

The Prophet's words then and now: hadith and its terminology -- The transmission and collection of prophetic traditions -- The methods and history of Hadith criticism -- Prophetic traditions in Shiite Islam -- The function of prophetic traditions in Islamic law and legal theory -- The function of prophetic traditions in theology -- The function of prophetic traditions in Sufism -- The authenticity question: Western debates over the historical reliability of prophetic traditions -- Debates over prophetic traditions in the modern Muslim world -- Conclusion

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